CAT
Coital Alignment Technique for enhanced clitoral stimulation.
About This Position
A modification of missionary where the penetrating partner shifts their body upward and uses a grinding motion instead of thrusting. The Coital Alignment Technique maximizes clitoral contact during penetration.
Best For
Clitoral Stimulation
The CAT technique is specifically designed for maximum clitoral stimulation during penetration.
Direct, continuous clitoral contact through the grinding technique.
G-Spot Stimulation
Minimal G-spot stimulation due to the shallow penetration. The focus is on external pleasure.
The angle doesn't reach deep enough for significant G-spot stimulation.
Anatomy & Physiology
Muscle Groups Involved
- Core
- Hip flexors
- Glutes
- Inner thighs
Angle of Penetration
Very shallow, with the pubic bone pressed against the clitoris
Targeted Pleasure Zones
Body Contact Points
Step-by-Step Guide
The receiving partner lies on their back on a comfortable surface. Place a pillow under the hips to optimize the angle for clitoral-pubic bone contact.
Tip: The pillow angle is critical — it tilts the pelvis so the pubic bone presses directly against the clitoris.
The penetrating partner positions themselves like missionary but shifted slightly upward along the body. Enter and then slide upward so your pubic bone presses against the clitoris.
Tip: The shift upward is what differentiates CAT from missionary — the pubic bone-to-clitoris contact point is the core mechanism.
Use a grinding, rocking motion instead of thrusting. Rock your pelvis up and down (vertically) rather than in and out (horizontally). This is the Coital Alignment Technique.
Tip: The shallow penetration (rated Shallow) means the focus is entirely on external clitoral stimulation (rated 5/5).
Keep your bodies pressed together — full body contact, pubic bone to clitoris, chest to chest. The closer you are, the more continuous the clitoral contact.
Tip: The inner thighs and core create the rocking motion — hip flexors drive the vertical movement.
Rock up and down rather than in and out. The receiving partner can also grind their hips to enhance the rhythm and control the pressure on the clitoris.
Tip: Both partners grinding together creates synchronized clitoral stimulation from two directions.
The receiving partner can use their hands on the penetrating partner's back or hips to guide the rhythm and control the pressure of the pubic bone against the clitoris.
Tip: This position is specifically designed for clitoral orgasms during penetration — be patient and maintain the rhythm.
Maintain eye contact and synchronized breathing for maximum intimacy. The full-body, face-to-face contact creates deep emotional connection alongside physical pleasure.
Tip: The technique requires practice to master — the grinding motion feels different from standard missionary thrusting.
Safety & Precautions
Warnings
- ! Shallow penetration — this technique is specifically designed for clitoral stimulation.
- ! Requires practice to master the grinding technique.
Modifications
- * Use a pillow under the receiving partner's hips to optimize the angle.
- * The receiving partner can grind their hips to enhance the rhythm.
Safe during pregnancy — gentle, intimate, and the shallow depth is comfortable.
Medical References & Sources
The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by certified health professionals. The following peer-reviewed and authoritative sources were used in developing this guide:
- • Mayo Clinic — Sexual Health
- • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Sexual Health
- • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- • Cleveland Clinic — Sexual Health
- • Healthline — Healthy Sex & Relationships
Health Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying new positions, especially if you have back pain, joint issues, are pregnant, or have any medical condition. Stop immediately if you experience pain.
Pros
- + Excellent clitoral stimulation during penetration
- + Can lead to blended orgasms
- + Very intimate face-to-face position
Cons
- - Shallow penetration
- - Requires practice to master the technique
Tips
- * Use a grinding rather than thrusting motion
- * Keep bodies close together for maximum contact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right technique, small errors can reduce pleasure or increase injury risk. Here are the most common mistakes couples make with the CAT position:
Thrusting instead of grinding
The entire point of CAT is the grinding motion. Thrusting (in-and-out) breaks the continuous pubic bone-to-clitoris contact that makes this technique effective. Rock vertically, not horizontally.
Not shifting position upward
If the penetrating partner stays in standard missionary position, the pubic bone doesn't align with the clitoris. You must shift upward along the body so the bone presses directly against the clitoris.
Breaking body contact
Lifting the chest or creating gaps between bodies breaks the continuous contact that sustains clitoral stimulation. Stay pressed together — the full-body contact is essential to the technique.
Expecting deep stimulation
CAT is deliberately shallow (rated Shallow penetration, 2/5 for G-spot). Couples expecting deep internal stimulation will be disappointed. The technique is specifically designed for clitoral pleasure during penetration.
Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the basic CAT, these variations can add new sensations and keep things exciting:
Add a Pillow
Place a pillow under the receiving partner's hips to change the angle of penetration and enhance stimulation.
Incorporate Manual Stimulation
Use hands to add clitoral or other external stimulation during the position for enhanced pleasure.
Slow Down the Pace
Switch from thrusting to grinding for a more intimate, sensation-focused experience.
Try Different Surfaces
Move from the bed to a couch, standing, or against a wall for different angles and experiences.
Related Positions
Missionary
Face-to-face intimacy with deep emotional connection.
Doggy Style
A timeless classic with deep connection and intensity.
Cowgirl
Take control and set the pace with this empowering position.
Sixty-Nine
Simultaneous oral pleasure in this classic position.
Prone Bone
A flat, face-down position for deep, grinding sensations.
Scissor
Intertwined legs create a tight, sensations-rich position.
Written by Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Certified Sex Therapist, PhD in Human Sexuality
Reviewed by Dr. James Chen
Board-Certified OB/GYN, 15+ Years Experience
Last reviewed: July 2026 | Content medically verified | Meet our full team
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